Finding Home: My Journey to France

I’ve been asked by so many people why I chose to move to France, especially after my life took such a big turn.

I grew up in Hamburg and spent a long time in areas like Harburg, Buxtehude, and Dollern. Breaking free from my roots, however, only became possible through traveling. I ventured around the world—New Zealand (my favorite country, though it’s too far away), Australia, Costa Rica, Scandinavia, and more. But it was the opportunity to move to the U.S. that truly ignited a spark in me.

Walking into an office on a Monday morning, being greeted with big smiles, being asked how my weekend was, and wishing each other a wonderful week—this friendliness captivated me. It felt like the "American way," but it resonated deeply.

After my expat adventure in the U.S., I returned to Germany, only to realize how differently I now saw the world. I still occasionally visit Hamburg to reconnect with my roots — the water, the vibrant city — but Germany just didn’t feel right for me anymore. Especially after a longer assignment in Houston, I tried living in Wiesbaden and later Frankfurt, but what truly captured my heart was a little town in the French Alps. The food, the sense of community, and the culture—everything felt so right.

Houston had already shown me what it felt like to thrive in a diverse and foodie-friendly city, but France offered me that same feeling in a way I could see as home.

During my sabbatical, I decided to test if it was just that little town or if I could truly embrace France as my new home. Traveling around in a van, I explored the country and found myself utterly inspired by its delicious food and relaxed way of living. At the time, I wasn’t feeling well and suspected that food was partly to blame, but being in France, many of my health issues simply resolved themselves.

What I Love About France 🇫🇷

Here’s what makes France feel like home to me:

• Food and the culture around it: Meals are an experience—long, with multiple courses, and rich in flavors. It’s not just eating; it’s savoring.

• Wine and coffee culture: Whether meeting a friend after work or on the weekend, the time spent chatting and enjoying yourself feels sacred. No one rushes you out of a café or restaurant.

• Community: Every time I return to my place, I’m met with warm reunions—cooking together, trying new recipes, attending events, or simply catching up. Helping each other is natural, and food is always at the heart of it all.

• Rules are negotiable: Growing up in Germany, I was used to strict adherence to rules—"Sarah and her rules" is a joke I often hear. In France, rules are more like starting points for discussion. The first response is often “no,” but then comes the negotiation. For example, as an EU citizen, I don’t need a residence permit, but some processes require a local ID. It takes patience, but there’s always a way.

• Entrepreneurship: Although entrepreneurship is still growing in France, there’s an incredible push to support it. I’ve met so many inspiring people building their own businesses. The "can-do" mindset here fuels my own ideas and helps my business flourish.

• Nature meets city life: I enjoy the best of both worlds — spending my time between the mountains and the energy of a vibrant city.

  
  

The Language Barrier

The only challenge I’m still working on is the language. I’ve been practicing French for months, focusing on pronunciation, but I’m impatient to reach the point of having proper conversations. Interestingly, the French are even more impatient—they’ll often speak to me in French despite my struggles! While they’re happy for me to ask questions in English, my teacher and I are preparing to dive fully into speaking French.

One of my dreams is to coach in French someday. For now, I follow business meetings in French and watch French movies to build my understanding. It’s a journey, but I know I’ve found my home. Soon enough, French will become my everyday language.

What about you? Is there a country or place you've always dreamed of calling home? Let me know - I'd love to chat!

Find Your Wave 🌊 ,

Sarah